What should a library offer

In a national survey of Americans ages 16 and older:. Moreover, a notable share of Americans say they would embrace even wider uses of technology at libraries such as:. Many librarians said that their libraries were already offering these resources in various forms, due to demand from their communities.

The interviews were conducted on October November 10, and done on cell phone and landlines and in English and Spanish. Asked for their thoughts on which services libraries should offer to the public, majorities of Americans are strongly in favor of:. The table below highlights their answers about why their library use changed:. When it comes to future services, African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to support segregating library spaces for different services, having more comfortable spaces for reading, working and relaxing, offering more learning experiences similar to museum exhibits, helping users digitize material such as family photos or historical documents.

Also, minorities are more likely than whites to say they would use these new services specified in the charts below. This report explores the changing world of library services by exploring the activities at libraries that are already in transition and the kinds of services citizens would like to see if they could redesign libraries themselves.

This report contains findings from a survey of 2, Americans ages 16 and above between October 15 and November 10, The surveys were administered on half on landline phones and half on cellphones and were conducted in English and Spanish.

The margin of error for the full survey is plus or minus 2. There were several long lists of activities and services in the phone survey. Bookmobiles and community outreach programs keep those living in remote areas or those who are homebound connected to the larger community. Public libraries also help communities cope with the unexpected. Libraries level the playing field.

As great democratic institutions, serving people of every age, income level, location, ethnicity, or physical ability, and providing the full range of information resources needed to live, learn, govern, and work. Libraries are committed to helping children and adults develop the skills they need to survive and thrive in a global information society: the ability to read and use computers. Yet, according to a study conducted in by the U.

The implications of these statistics are alarming, indicating that many adults cannot identify a specific location on a map, complete a job application or an insurance form, understand the instructions on a medicine bottle, or effectively help their children with homework.

With a long tradition of providing resources and services for adults wanting to improve their reading and writing skills, libraries are committed to helping children and adults develop the skills they need to survive and thrive in a global information society. Freedom of information is fundamental to the American way of life, and free and full access sets us apart from many countries. Libraries and librarians are committed to preserving both the freedom to read in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

Protecting user privacy and confidentiality is another integral part of the mission of libraries. Libraries are places for community engagement, a platform for great minds to come together. The way people are using our libraries is changing as fast as technology is changing society. Increasingly, libraries are becoming a place for creation and collaboration. In recent years, libraries of all types have begun to create space and activities that center around creativity. From rewiring a lamp, to 3D printers, to sewing circles, libraries are capitalizing on a priceless commodity: the sharing of personal knowledge, or learning by doing.

In the 21st century, libraries are about much more than books! These librarians can help find books that encourage teens to read more. More than a third of public libraries regularly offer afterschool programs. And nearly all libraries have summer reading programs for children. A surprising number of public libraries offer fitness classes like yoga, dance, Zumba, and Qigong tai chi. You can check out fitness equipment from some libraries, too. More and more libraries are adding mindfulness classes as well.

Exercise and meditation can help kids learn. They can also reduce stress and anxiety. Even taking short breaks to stretch or move around can help kids stay focused and get their work done.

One way libraries help struggling readers is by providing audiobooks along with the print versions. Using both at the same time can help struggling readers connect the way words sound to the way they look on the page. Some libraries help kids and adults work on reading skills like phonics. And libraries are always looking for ways to encourage reading.

Some libraries bring in therapy dogs so kids can read out loud to them. Why dogs? Libraries can also be a great resource for English language learners. Many libraries have books in other languages and have classes to help people learn English. Learn about more ways public libraries are transforming lives and communities, from the American Library Association. Podcast Wunder community app. Main menu Our work Blog Surveys and research. Join our team Privacy policy Terms of use Fundraising disclosure Sitemap.

In the summer, many libraries also provide free meals to kids who get free lunch at school.